"Well, Sir," as my maternal grandmother used to begin the occasional statement, good fortune has smiled on us again here in the Grand Duchy of Stollen. Thanks to lots of hard work and crossed fingers, not only has the Grand Duchess been offered a plum position at a Big Ten University, but they have also offered yours truly a full-time lecturer appointment, which seals the deal. Generous compensation, moving allowance, excellent schools for the Young Master, further opportunities for professional development, more interesting service possibilities, and so on, and so forth. The kind of opportunity that does not come around very often you might say.
We will sell up, pack up, and leave our digs of the last seven years here in Central Illinois (where the Grand Duchess has been since 2001) come mid-June for snowier environs (and much better skiing conditions) in East Lansing Michigan where we'll both join the faculty of Michigan State University -- following a teaching stint in Berlin at the Free University this summer for the Grand Duchess -- in mid-August.
Lots to think about and take care of before then, however, including the current batch of Minden pioneers, but we are pleased as punch and terribly excited. Giddy even, which is something to chuckle about given my sometimes rather dark Scandinavian soul. Even I see the humor here.
That same giddiness is a good thing too. It is daunting when we settle down for a moment, and then realize that an entire house will have to be packed up in about 2.5 months, movers arranged, the house put on the market, another one found at the other end, etc., etc., etc. In the meantime, to the painting table!!!
-- Stokes
P.S.
Special thanks to Paul Robinson in the U.K. for his kind and encouraging words yesterday. You were correct, Paul. It sorted itself out.
Comments
I don't think that East Lansing gets that much more snow than Central Illinois, but you will be closer to the ski runs in Northern Michigan.
I'm excited for all of you. let the adventure begin.
Jim
Cheers, PD
My very best wishes to you, the Grand Duchess and the Young Master for a wonderfully successful transfer.
Hmmm, the "mascot" of MSU is, I believe, the SPARTANS . . . so perhaps you will dangle your feet into some classic Greek figure painting, eh?
-- Jeff
It's over 20 years since we last moved house, but I recall that I transported the model soldiers myself in my own car; didn't trust the removal men with them :-)
Alan
Andy
Here's to a stress-free move to Michigan :)
An exciting change and less hot and methinks reduced awkward weather,
Cheers for you all,
Bill
Enjoy your adventure.
Best wishes,
Simon
Regards,
Guy
It was most distressing to learn that the first note of congratulations was devoured by that beast called The Internet. Specifically, right after composing my note and sending it, some source on the internet indicated that your blog entry did not exist! And, of course, gone was my first note.
The content of that missive was simple - Great Congratulations to you and the Grand Duchess on the occasion of your new appointments. May everything go well and may your future jobs be filled with professional satisfaction. I join all of your friends in wishing you well in resolving any small problems like getting a new residence, finding a good educational setting for your son, and selling the old Ducal Residence.
Many good wishes,
Gerardus Magnus
Archbishop Emeritus
-- Allan